Best Restaurants with Outdoor Seating for Families in the Triangle
Outdoor dining with kids is a game-changer. More space for strollers, noise is less of an issue, spills happen on the ground instead of white tablecloths, and kids can move around a little between courses. The Triangle's mild weather (roughly 8-9 months of outdoor dining season) means we eat outside as much as possible.
Raleigh Patios
Transfer Co. Food Hall has the best outdoor family dining space in Raleigh — a large courtyard with picnic tables and plenty of room for kids to move between food hall vendors and the outdoor seating. Multiple food options under one roof (or sky). Meals $8-16 per person.
Trophy Brewing + Pizza on Maywood Avenue has a big patio that fills with families on nice evenings. The pizza is excellent, the beer selection is great for parents, and the outdoor space has enough room for kids to be kids. Pizzas $14-22.
Neomonde Mediterranean on Beryl Road has a patio that we use 9 months of the year. The cafeteria-style ordering means food arrives fast, and the outdoor tables are spacious. Meals $8-12 per person.
Bida Manda on S. Wilmington Street has a lovely patio area. For a nicer restaurant, the outdoor seating makes it significantly more family-friendly. The early dinner reservation (5:30 PM) on the patio is our move. Entrees $14-20.
Durham Patios
Fullsteam Brewery has one of the best outdoor spaces in Durham — a huge beer garden with picnic tables, games, and food trucks. It's basically an outdoor living room for families on weekend afternoons. Pints $5-7, food truck meals $8-14.
Ponysaurus Brewing Co. has a generous outdoor area that's dog-friendly and kid-friendly. The in-house food menu means you don't have to depend on food truck availability. Pints $6-8, food $8-14.
Guglhupf Bakery has a biergarten out back that's one of our favorite outdoor dining spots in Durham. Pretzels, pastries, and real European beer garden vibes. Pastries $3-6, entrees $12-18.
Weaver Street Market in Carrboro has the great lawn that's basically an outdoor restaurant with no walls. Grab prepared food and sit on the grass. Free seating, meals $7-12.
Cary Patios
Bond Brothers Beer Company in downtown Cary has a patio that's become a gathering spot for families. Regular food trucks provide the food, and the beer is excellent. Pints $5-7, food truck meals $8-14.
Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage on Chatham Street has a nice patio for a more upscale Cary dinner. Entrees $14-22, kids plates $7-9.
Fortnight Brewing has a large grassy outdoor area with picnic tables that feels like a park with beer. Pints $5-7, food trucks on schedule.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May): Perfect patio weather. Allergens can be rough — bring tissues and antihistamines.
Summer (June-August): Look for shaded patios. Evening dining (after 6 PM) is best when temperatures drop. Bring bug spray. Restaurants with misters or fans are a bonus.
Fall (September-November): Prime outdoor dining season. The weather is perfect and most patios are in full swing.
Winter (December-February): Several restaurants have covered, heated patios. Transfer Co. and Trophy Brewing have some covered outdoor space.
Tips for Outdoor Dining With Kids
Quick Reference
| Restaurant | Location | Patio Size | Food Style | |—————-|—————|——————|——————| | Transfer Co. Food Hall | Raleigh | Large courtyard | Multiple vendors | | Fullsteam Brewery | Durham | Huge beer garden | Food trucks | | Weaver Street Market | Carrboro | Open lawn | Deli counter | | Bond Brothers | Cary | Medium patio | Food trucks | | Trophy Brewing | Raleigh | Large patio | Pizza/brewery | | Guglhupf | Durham | Biergarten | European bakery |
Nine months of outdoor dining is one of the best perks of Triangle living. Take advantage of it.
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